The students from Gulf Middle School start the 5K color run to benefit the American Heart Association. PHOTO PROVIDED

Gulf Middle School Assistant Principal Emma Winfield said a few years ago former Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins asked that all schools participate in doing something with the American Heart Association. As a runner, she said she thought it would be fun to hold a 5K.

This year, 515 students out of a total of 827 students enrolled at Gulf Elementary School participated in the color run. The remaining students continued their regular school schedule. A little more than $8,000 will be donated to the American Heart Association.

“This is the third year we had the color run that benefited the American Heart Association. We do it on campus and the surrounding neighborhood. We find volunteers, the Cape Police Department helps us,” Winfield said. “Every half mile they get showered with colored powder.”

Winfield said she could not do the run without the help from Emily Cooper with the American Heart Association.

A runner is about to get showered with colored powder during the 5K. PHOTO PROVIDED

“She is such a powerhouse. She comes in and does a PowerPoint for them,” she said for the students. “She gets donations as far as water, snacks and gets shirts.”

After the run, the students enjoyed a hot dog lunch and a sweet treat from Ice Cream Club of Cape Coral.

Winfield said this year they had the largest turnout of students. She said she is very proud of the students, as they are helping and benefiting families that need support and further research for congenital and regular heart disease.

The event also hit home, as there is a little boy from Gulf Elementary School who was on the national American Heart Association poster.

“There are kids that are literally next door that we are helping,” Winfield said. “Their family benefited from the work of the American Heart Association.”

She said they have the best students at Gulf Middle School.

“They have such kind hearts. They get excited about doing it. We really do try to hit home that they are helping people. It’s about really helping someone and being a force to help your community and do something good that is beyond yourself.”